Klaske van Sluis

Life after total laryngectomy 139 The total laryngectomy also led to new social contacts, especially with peers (individuals who had undergone the same surgery). The respondent who had her surgery at age of twenty-nine realized that she could not relate to the experience of elderly laryngectomized individuals when she visited a patient meeting: I went [to a patient meeting] twice. First of all [. . . ], they were all much older than me. Discussions were like: “My grandchildren will not hear my own voice”. And I thought: “Well, come on, my children have never heard my voice. You know what, [this setup] didn’t fit my experiences.” (Participant 7) Hobbies To take up their former hobbies, participants either made practical adjustments so they could still perform these after total laryngectomy or took up new leisure activities. One respondent modified her boat to decrease the risk of falling into the water. Many participants developed new interests and hobbies that would be easy to engage in despite their condition (e.g. sewing clothes, making necklaces to cover the stoma, gardening). Two participants joined a special choir for head and neck cancer patients. This enabled them to enjoy singing and performing and to have fun with their voice again. (Care) work Four respondents had a job before the total laryngectomy, but none of them was able to return to it following their surgery since these positions required much speaking (e.g. teacher, secretary, saleswoman). Two participants actively sought a job after their total laryngectomy and got rejected repeatedly during the application process. The first years after my laryngectomy I still applied [for vacancies] (. . . ). The first years, I thought [my condition] wasn’t too bad. I didn’t realize how severe it was. How many disabilities I had (. . . ). After five or six years I stopped [applying], thinking: ‘This isn’t going to happen’.” (Participant. 4) All respondents of working age were declared unfit to work. Nevertheless, five respondents started work-related activities. Some started volunteering in their community or within the Dutch organization for head and neck cancer patients (e.g. patient-visitor, providing lessons). They valued their ability to help others by sharing their own experiences. Others set up their own business in order to remain financially secure; one provided painting lessons to small groups, and one started her own bed and breakfast. Most participants were still able to perform (some) informal care-work, in- cluding household activities and taking care of others. Nevertheless, those who